Emmanuel Macron seeks to ban or curb fresh protests

French authorities on Thursday imposed bans or restrictions on fresh protests springing up in the wake of demonstrations last weekend that degenerated into the country's worst street violence in years.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks while making a joint statement with King of Jordan Abdullah II at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 16 February 2024. YOAN VALAT/Pool via REUTERS

President Emmanuel Macron said after chairing a meeting of key ministers and intelligence officials that curfews and other security measures would be imposed, including bans on "groups without legitimacy" holding protests.

"The priority is a return to calm," he said, adding that he would chair a defence council meeting of key ministers on Friday to decide "the next steps" for new nationwide demonstrations called for Saturday and afterwards.

The worst of the violence, Macron said, "was led by organised ultra-left groups aiming to bring down the republic", that he accused of "sedition".

Source: Citizen Digital